Sidak

Sidak is a distinctive leadership development program for young adults seeking to increase their commitment towards the Sikh faith. This two-week intensive immersion into the Sikh culture, language, values and community is held annually in the summer.

Sidak is a distinctive leadership development program for young adults seeking to increase their commitment towards Sikhi.

Sidak explores personal and panthak development through a Gurmat framework based in Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle). It is an experiential learning opportunity in which participants learn to pose reflective questions anchored in Sikh ethos to themselves and others to address social issues. The goal of Sidak is to ultimately develop Sikh thought leaders who will play critical role in creating real, sustainable solutions to pressing panthak and world problems.

There are three tracks and sessions on leadership development and community building, which serve as key foundations for Sidak. These tracks and sessions are facilitated by SikhRI team members, from both the staff and the board. Each facilitator brings his or her own experiences, education and passions to the classroom sessions. The bonds that Sidakers form with each other and their instructors will inspire them towards education and leadership long after the program ends. This unique learning opportunity will help young adults discover their inner-self, build stronger relationships, and infuse the Sikh spirit in future goals and successes. Sidak is available for adults 18-40 years old (17-year-olds that have completed high school are considered).

Parents and families have the opportunity to attend Sidak while their little ones get to know and interact with other children from around the world in a stimulating Sikhi learning environment. Junior Sidak is an excellent way for families with young children to attend SikhRI’s Leadership Program. SikhRI staff and volunteers run Junior Sidak during Sidak classroom hours, Monday through Friday, both weeks. Kids enjoy arts and crafts, story time, nature walks, and other activities which are all specially designed to build and grow their Panjabi and Gurmukhi skills and emphasize the teachings of the Gurus in a fun, kid-friendly space. Junior Sidak is available for kids 6-12 years old.

This two-week intensive immersion into Sikh culture, language, values, and community is held annually in the summer at the Khalsa Centre in British Columbia. Overlooking Miracle Valley, the 160-acre border of the Khalsa Centre is enveloped in majestic trees on multiple lakes amidst breathtaking beauty in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. To learn more about the campsite visit the Khalsa Centre website.

Sidak 2019 Courses

We have 3 thoughtfully crafted courses available for you to choose from. Have a look at our course descriptions to see which one would be the right one for you.

REGISTRATION STARTS OCTOBER 2018

Sikhi 101: Introduction to Sikh History & Theology

Students will be introduced to Sikh history (from the formation of Sikhi to contemporary time) and the fundamentals of Sikh theology, with particular emphasis on the Sikh lived experience. Guru Nanak Sahib’s revelation Asa ki Var (from the Sikh canon, Guru Granth Sahib) embodies the political, spiritual and social message of the Guru’s revolutionary thought and thus serves as a centering point for the course. Students will engage in bani interpretation, vocabulary and pronunciation sessions in a mixture of lecture as well as group and individual work.

By the end of this course, students will be expected to

Formulate an understanding of the unique characteristics and fundamental differences of Sikh theology from other faith systems

Interpret Asa ki Var in ways that reflect the originality of Sikh theology

Identify major historical Sikh events and analyze their impact on today’s Sikh diaspora

Sikhi 201: Religion & Revolution

Sikhi 201 is an intensive, seminar-based course that surveys Sikh writings outlining Sikh history, theology, political theory, economic issues, and social implications. The course uses lectures, activities, and discussions to convey the Sikh theses of sovereignty and faith.

By the end of this course, students will be expected to

Critically examine Sikh thought and practices in the context of popular understanding

Formulate a Sikh stance on contemporary issues using an analytic framework based on Bani (wisdom), Tavarikh (history), and Rahit (lifestyle)

Articulate the raison d’être (reason for existence) for the Sikhs

Engage in and critique academic, traditional, and contemporary Sikh writings

Describe and analyze major movements in post-Guru Sikh history for contemporary application

Gurbani 101: Introduction to Guru Granth Sahib

Gurbani 101 is a survey course that familiarizes students with the structure, languages, and themes of the Guru Granth Sahib. The course format encompasses lectures, discussions, and activities. It provides tools and exposure to nomenclature for developing an approach to understanding Guru Granth Sahib.

By the end of this course, students will be expected to

Recognize the structure, format, and layout of Guru Granth Sahib

Identify different languages of Gurbani

Learn basic character of Gurmukhi script and its pronunciation

Understand basic grammar of Gurbani

Identify major symbolism, cultural and folk elements

Familiarize with key themes, terms, and phrases

Contextualize the language in its cultural milieu

Financial Assistance Available

SikhRI believes in the importance of education and aims to make Sikh education as accessible as possible.To request financial assistance, simply fill out the criteria on the application form. This assistance is made possible by various organizations and individuals who fund and support this program.

Please contact sidak@sikhri.org for any inquiries.

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